hey, i currently have a F-350 with a 6 inch lift and 37 tires and currently its a huge gas guzzler. So i bought a 72 VW beetle but its becoming to much of a project and not owning up to what i need. i need a car that is good on gas mileage and that isnt going to be a huge project. i was lookign at the 94 n 95 4runners becasue they get the best MPG.

Are those good years? I would also like a manual but is auto better? also is there any specific things i should look for when looking for a 4runner? this will be my daily driver!

If the 94-95 isnt the best year is ther another year that i can get 4000 n under that maybe i could do something ot enhance MPG? thanks

 

for the manuals, the best years are the 1999-2000. for at/ the best years are 2001-2002. however, both may be beyond the $4000 mark.

i've read that the 2nd gen 4Runner is also a gas guzzler although not as much as the F-350. so what you can do is swap the 5VZ-FE engine and A340F/R150F transmission onto the 2nd gen 4Runner.

 

Welcome to YotaTech!

Just a heads up.. These Toyotas aren't notorious for great mpg. But if that's what you're looking for: manual is definitely better for mpg. Be sure to check for frame rust, rocker rust, or any rust, for that matter. Check for worn/cracked IFS parts, as they can get rather pricey to replace. Other major stuff should be obvious, but stay away from super high mileage trucks (even if its a Yota! ). And for around 4k, you should be able to find a solid, dependable ride that'll be faithful for years to come. I bought my truck with 144k mileage, no rust, and a perfect interior for 3500, so keep your eyes open.

 

Thank you! ill look out for that. i know that the 4 runners arent the best i can get with MPG but right now i get 7 with my ford so if i can get 18 i will be so happy. apparently the 94' n 95' get 18-21.

 

Well, that 18-21 figure was measured with a new truck under pretty optimal conditions. I wouldn't expect that high.. My truck gets 16-17 when it's purring.

 

do you know what the cost could roughly be to swap the engine and transmission? tried to do that with my 73 scout and was cheaper to sell it.

 

good to know i will keep that in mind!

 

My moms 88 4runnee gets 17-26 depending on how it running avgs 19

 

Does anyone know if the 97' 4 runners are any good?

 

I know the 2003 4runner gets 22 mpg all day on the highway. I found mine for 5k Canadian. If you want to upgrade it then you can get more later. 5 speed auto... even a 6 speed manual has been done before. The manual doesn't get as good of mileage as the auto in these years. older years the manual is the way to go. Make sure that it has at least the 3.4L v6 in the 1996-2002 models.

Or... you could get a motorless chassis (one with a blown Headgasket is acceptable) and put a TDI diesel in. A couple guys are averaging 30mpg in those units without issues.

 

Stay away from the 3.0 engine if you can (88-95 4runner). Bad gas mileage and prone to problems such as the head gasket. Starting in 96 we got the 3.4 engine, which is much better as far as power, reliability and mileage.

I've got a 97, it's the most sold year of any 4runner. That should tell you something, but any 3rd gen is going to be great unless it's been trashed.

 

They are all good some are just better then others.

just how much of the normal maintenance are you able to do your self??

Gas mileage can change quite a bit with the amount of weight one has in the vehicle.

The type and size of your tires and of course having the best air pressure for fuel mileage.

Keeping the engine running at peak efficiency some in the past have even used a vacuum gauge to operate at the best rpm.

If your looking for gas mileage why go 4X4 at all unless you really need it to get out of your drive way in the winter.

If your living up to your name it will be a project!!!

 

i took auto shop for three years and have done maintanence on all my cars/trucks. love working with my hands. currently getting certified in welding. so i dont mind maintanence.

choosing 4runner cuz i hate cars. i dont really need amazing gas mileage i just need the best i can get in a 4runner. anything beats 6/8MPGs which is what i currently get in my truck.

and thank you for pointers!!